FDLE arrests Leesburg officer on sexual battery charges

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested a Leesburg police officer Thursday on charges of sexual battery.

Officials said they were made aware of an allegation of sexual misconduct in October by 25-year-old officer Henri Larue.

Larue is accused of committing sexual battery against a 23-year-old woman he had under arrest for a traffic violation on Oct. 3.

The Leesburg Police Department contacted FDLE to investigate the allegations.

"Anytime a member of your organization is accused of anything, any wrongdoing it is extremely disappointing," said Leesburg Police Department Capt. Rob Hicks. "When it is something of this magnitude, not just the allegations but when an arrest comes, it is mortifying to our organization."

Larue was immediately placed on paid administrative leave. He was originally employed with the department on March 15, 2012.

A little before 1 p.m. Thursday, FDLE agents arrested Larue. He is charged with sexual battery by a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

"Her door was opened; her handcuff, one was left on, the other released, while the officer was armed with a gun strapped to his side, with uniform and badges, he beckoned her to perform a sex act on him," attorney Mark NeJame said.

After the alleged incident, NeJame said Larue took his client to be booked.

When the woman was released from jail, she told her mother, and they filed a report.

Larue posted bail and left the Lake County Jail Thursday morning. His bond was set at $100,000.

Larue's attorney spoke with WESH 2 News as he left jail.

"He is a public servant who has been through a lot of stress," said attorney Robert Whittle. "He knows in the end right will prevail and he will be vindicated."

The Leesburg Police Department said they will conduct their own internal investigation.

NeJame said he will use the case to send a message to law enforcement officers who use their badges to abuse citizens and break the law.

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